I remember reading about the difference between black and white robes etc. in the middle east... they said there was no difference to the wearer as they are designed to allow airflow to the body... do not know if it was the mens robes or the womens... and it was awhile back... so, take it or leave it...

I think there was a study that the black robs create an updraft moving air from the feet up producing a cooling effect.

It's a dry heat in the desert so ... it doesn't count.

__________________

__________________
Sometimes death is not as tragic as not knowing how to live. This man knew how to live--and how to make others glad they were living. - Jack Benny at Nat King Cole's funeral

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

It was comon to see outdoor laborers wearing baggy flannel shirts in the 105 degree dry heat of Tucson. I picked up the habit (with a tech type shirt, not flannel) when I knew I'd be out in the sun for more than a short time.

The protection from the sun provided far more benefit, and the baggy fit let plenty of air circulate around.

__________________

__________________
Rich
San Francisco AreaESR'd March 2010. FIRE'd January 2011.

As if you didn't know..If the above message contains medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any purpose. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.

I have spent quite a bit of time in Saudi Arabia on business, although I avoid it as much as possible

On whole, I have found it to be the most tribal, socially repressive, and intolerant place I have ever visited. Religious extremism is the norm, and pervades every aspect of everyday life. The weather and religious police are equally brutal. Not a pleasant place to visit or work.

The hypocrisy is astonishing. When the plane clears Saudi airspace, the veils come off, the abayas are stuffed in a bag, the Gucci, Prada, and makeup goes on, drinks flow and the oppressive Saudi societal restrictions are long forgotten. The reverse is true on the way in- when they enter Saudi airspace, the women all look like BMOs (black moving objects) and the men are drinking coffee and popping breath mints to cover up the alcohol they had on the flight.

Israel has been removed from every world map in the country. Many Saudis openly celebrate 9/11. Their support of terrorism in the name of religious extremism is hard for most Westerners to fathom. If you are a member of the ruling class you can do no wrong. If you are not, you just don’t matter.

Without major changes in government policies, some sense of social justice, and markedly different business practices, when the oil runs out the country will quickly revert back to a cat boxsandbox. Most Saudi nationals are spoiled dilettantes who don't want to work and don't care that they are totally dependent on foreigners for technology, infrastructure support, and labor.

Thanks for this. Friday afternoon our company strongly suggested many of us consider some long term contracts in Saudi Arabia as a way to stay busy during this economic cycle. Your report pretty much confirms what I have heard elsewhere, and I will NOT be going to Saudi Arabia.

Mead, as the one who first asked you to post about your experiences on the trip, I am extremely appreciative of your post and descriptive narrative.
At the end of the day, though, I agree with you--I find the culture very interesting, but I could not live there.

__________________
“One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching.”
Gerard Arthur Way

This is the only one you're going to get: me trying on a niqab in the souk. Obviously the storekeeper is not a Saudi or he would not have touched me like that. Wearing a niqab, even for 5 minutes, made me feel very anonymous and depersonalized.

This is the only one you're going to get: me trying on a niqab in the souk. Obviously the storekeeper is not a Saudi or he would not have touched me like that. Wearing a niqab, even for 5 minutes, made me feel very anonymous and depersonalized.

Formidable, Madame.

Ha

__________________
"As a general rule, the more dangerous or inappropriate a conversation, the more interesting it is."-Scott Adams

How do women get to work? Are they driven? Bused? How do women end up on a professional track? Are they unmarried? Or do married women work too?

(Sorry for the third degree. )

Well, I can see Martha is captivated!

Abayas can be any color, but in Saudi Arabia (to quote Henry Ford) you can have any color, so long as it's black. They can be very pretty with lots of embroidery and decorations. The operating specs are: black, covers ankles, sleeves cover wrists. Abayas come with a shayla, which is a rectangular scarf, often georgette, with trim matching the abaya. This is meant to be draped in any number of ways that satisfy hijab (covering hair which is required for Muslim women) but can be draped anyway you want if you are not Muslim. I wore mine around my neck except when meeting with people who might expect more, in which case I covered my head but made no attempt to cover all my hair....similar to Laura Bush on her visit to KSA to promote breast cancer awareness.

Below would be a typical hospital scene:

Getting to work: if you are an expat living in a compound, there will be a bus to your place of work. Otherwise you have a personal driver, or you get your close male relative to drive you.

There are professional schools in education and health specifically for women (no co-eds here!) Once they graduate, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc, have to work alongside men. Some female doctors from other Middle Eastern countries have admitted to me that the opportunity to meet men and work as equals with them is a big attraction to medical school. There is equal pay for equal work and no obvious obstacle to married women working.

Several years ago, the new next door neighbors were a just retired Army officer and his wife and 2 kids. He accepted a position as a contractor working directly for the KSA and went over by himself. Wife and 2 kids followed and lived there for about 1 year. I remember her stories of feeling like a bird in a gilded cage.

I can totally understand that feeling. Somewhat akin to being transported back to Victorian times and forced into a corset and bustle, and being expected to be "dainty".

Latest Threads

Social Knowledge Community

About Us

This community was started in 2002 as an alternative to a then fee only Motley Fool. The focus of the discussions is on topics related to early retirement and financial independence. The community is moderated to ensure a pleasant experience for our members.